By Monica D. Spencer | InMaricopa
Maricopa City Council unanimously approved updated zoning codes for cannabis facilities during an April 4 meeting but dual licenses – one for medical marijuana and one recreational sales – are still required by city law.
The zoning codes approved by council members included updating definitions and the minimum distance marijuana sales facilities may be located from schools. They did not, however, include updates to Maricopa’s municipal code that prohibits recreational-only facilities from operating in the city.
“Do you still have to have a dual license to have a facility? That’s very clear. In Section 8 of the city code that is a requirement,” said Denis Fitzgibbons, an attorney for the city.
Fitzgibbons referred to Section 8.40.040 of Maricopa’s municipal code that states “to the fullest extent allowable by law, the operation of a marijuana establishment is prohibited in city unless operated by a dual licensee at a shared location.” This effectively would prohibit any marijuana dispensary or shop from exclusively selling the drug for nonmedical use.
